When teaching lessons clients often ask what size place should they get for their dog.  My response is that when the dog truly understands what you are asking the size of the place really doesn’t matter.  In fact “place” is not a place at all, rather a command for the dog to place himself on a designated object.  I consider the place a foundation command for the Sit Means Sit system.  It teaches the dog boundaries and aids in impulse control.  I have also found that it does wonders to boost confidence in a shy dogs.  This happens by presenting the dog with a task that initially makes them nervous or scared, ie get on the cot and sit down.  We then work the dog through their fear and quickly an “I can do that” attitude starts to show in the dog.  I then present the dog with more challenging obstacles and what would have once been impossible is now no big deal.  Confidence building combined with sound training and leadership make for a much happier dog.